Slow Cooker Queso Chicken


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Classic pantry favorites come together to create a queso chicken that you and your family will enjoy. This recipe has all the Mexican flavors of taco seasoning, Rotel, and salsa con queso. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or a dish for game day, you’ll want to add this to your meal plan!

Love super easy Mexican recipes like this one? Also, try my Fiesta chicken , Lazy enchilada, Queso Blanco recipes.

chicken in queso sauce in crockpot.
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Why this recipe works

This meal comes to the rescue when time isn’t on your side. The prep time takes minutes, and thanks to the slow cooker, you can start it and walk away. The finishing touches happen right before serving, making putting it on the table even easier.

It’s also worth mentioning that this recipe can be used in so many ways (suggestions below). If you are feeding a big family and looking to stretch this over a couple of days, you can do so in creative ways. Trust me when I say this will be your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for queso chicken on table.
  • Chicken Breasts: skinless, boneless chicken breasts are cooked to tender perfection and shredded right before serving.
  • Rotel: made of diced tomatoes and green chiles, adding a kick of flavor.
  • Taco Seasoning: necessary for adding the Mexican flavor to the dish.
  • Queso: salsa con queso is a cheese dip that helps create a creamy texture and dip-like base.
  • Cream Cheese: adds a cheese-like flavor and smooth texture.
  • Juice: the juice of a lime balances all of the flavors in the queso chicken.

Step-by-Step Directions

Four images on how to add ingredients for queso chicken to slow cooker.

Step One – Place the four chicken breasts into a nonstick cooking sprayed crockpot.

Step Two – Sprinkle in the packet of taco seasoning.

Step Three – Add in the can of diced tomatoes and green chiles.

Step Four – Chop the cream cheese into small blocks and place them on top.

collage about how to shred chicken and add queso to the chicken, tomatoes and cream cheese.

Step Five – Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.

Step Six – After cooking time and the chicken is tender and fully cooked, shred the tender chicken breasts with two forks.

Step Seven – Pour in the con queso dip and lime juice.

Step Eight – Stir the entire mixture together. Serve and enjoy!

Tongs with queso chicken in them.

How to serve

  • Queso chicken can easily be made into tacos, quesadillas, and/or enchiladas. All you’ll need are crunchy taco shells or soft flour tortillas. Add black beans or cooked rice for a heartier taco.
  • For a salad-like option, start with a bed of taco shells and spread some queso chicken on top, followed by your favorite toppings (diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped black olives, fresh cilantro, jalapenos, bell peppers, etc.).
  • Turn this mixture into queso chicken pasta by cooking your choice of pasta noodles according to the package and then adding it to the queso chicken.
  • Nachos are the absolute best option for the chicken. Just pile the queso chicken on corn tortilla chips.
Shredded queso chicken on top of chips to make nachos.

Recipe FAQs

How do you store slow cooker queso chicken?

Ensure the chicken cools to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can you make this recipe with other types of meat?

Hamburger meat would be the ideal meat to replace the boneless skinless chicken. You’ll want to precook the hamburger before adding it to the crockpot.

Can I use something other than taco seasoning?

To taste, use a tablespoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper.

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close up of queso chicken nachos.

Slow Cooker Queso Chicken

5 from 6 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10
Slow cooker chicken cooked with Rotel and cream cheese, then the chicken is shredded and a jar of queso is added to make the BEST queso chicken.

Ingredients 
 

  • 2-4 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast, skinless chicken breast
  • 1.25 oz. taco seasoning, (one packet)
  • 8 oz. cream cheese
  • 10 oz. Rotel Tomatoes, (can diced tomatoes and chiles)
  • 15 oz. salsa con queso, (jarred nacho cheese)
  • 1 lime, juiced

Instructions 

  • Prepare the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and then dot with the cream cheese. Pour the diced tomatoes and chilies over the cream cheese.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours.
  • Shred the chicken with two forks. Then, stir in the salsa con queso and lime juice.
  • Serve over nachos, tacos, or rice with your choice of toppings.

How to Video

Sarah’s Notes

How come the recipe says 2-4 pounds of chicken?
You can use however much chicken you need to use! The recipe is very flexible and has enough sauce for 2-4 pounds of chicken.
Can I use something other than taco seasoning?
Yes, use a tablespoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder and salt and pepper to taste.
How to store?
Ensure the chicken cools to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can then store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Can I use a different type of meat?
Hamburger meat would be the ideal meat to replace the boneless skinless chicken. You’ll want to precook the hamburger before adding it to the crockpot.

Nutrition

Calories: 314kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 113mg | Sodium: 1162mg | Potassium: 528mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 977IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 190mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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8 Comments

  1. Lisa says:

    Can I cook it on high

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, it will need 3.5-4 hours on high.

      1. Sarah Olson says:

        About 4.

  2. Nancy says:

    Does this recipe freeze well?

    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, it does!

  3. Brandi says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! I used about 1 1/2 pounds chicken, added extra chilies and used 2 cups of velvetta instead of the salsa con queso (stirred it in at the end) Put it on Tostitos and topped with shredded cheese, salsa, olives and sour cream. We ate the whole crockpot!

  4. Carolyn says:

    5 stars
    This is delicious! I served it over tator tots the first couple of times I made it. Next time I’m going to try it with the flour shells.

  5. Kelly says:

    5 stars
    We had the Slow Cooker Queso Chicken for Dinner tonight. We are all happy with this delicious meal.
    My son loves it and asked me if I will cook it more often in the future. Husband was also happy. And me? I haven´t had even 5 minutes of work in the kitchen with this great dish. Love it. Greets from Germany.